Class 6 Science Materials Around Us Notes

Class 6 Science Materials Around Us Notes

Chapter 6: Materials Around Us

Introduction

Everything around us is made of materials. These materials have different properties that make them useful for specific purposes. Studying them helps us understand their applications and importance in daily life.

1. Types of Materials

Materials can be classified based on their physical properties:

  1. Hard and Soft Materials – Wood (hard), Cotton (soft)
  2. Transparent, Translucent, and Opaque – Glass (transparent), Wax paper (translucent), Wood (opaque)
  3. Elastic and Inelastic – Rubber band (elastic), Plastic ruler (inelastic)
  4. Conductors and Insulators – Copper (conductor), Rubber (insulator)
  5. Soluble and Insoluble – Sugar (soluble), Sand (insoluble)

2. Properties of Materials

  • Hardness: Resistance to scratching or breaking.
  • Elasticity: Ability to regain original shape after stretching or compressing.
  • Transparency: Ability to allow light to pass through.
  • Conductivity: Ability to conduct heat or electricity.
  • Solubility: Ability to dissolve in a solvent.

3. Uses of Materials

PropertyExample MaterialUses
HardnessWood, MetalBuilding, furniture
SoftnessCotton, WoolClothes, bedding
TransparencyGlassWindows, spectacles
ElasticityRubberBungee cords, elastic bands
ConductivityCopperWires, electrical circuits
InsulationRubber, PlasticCovering wires, handles

4. Recycling and Conservation

  • Materials should be reused and recycled to protect the environment.
  • Examples: Paper, metal, plastic, glass can be recycled.
  • Conserving materials reduces waste and pollution.

5. Key Points to Remember

  • Materials are classified by their physical properties.
  • Each material has specific uses based on its properties.
  • Recycling and conserving materials are important for sustainability.

Questions

1. Very Short Answer (1 mark)

  1. Name one hard material and one soft material.
  2. What is elasticity?
  3. Give an example of a transparent material.
  4. Give an example of a conductor of electricity.
  5. Give an example of an insulator.
  6. What is solubility?
  7. Name one insoluble material.
  8. What is the use of glass based on its transparency?
  9. Why should we recycle materials?
  10. Name one material used for building furniture.

2. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)

  1. Which of these materials is elastic?
    a) Wood
    b) Rubber
    c) Glass
    d) Stone
  2. Which material does not allow light to pass through?
    a) Glass
    b) Wax paper
    c) Wood
    d) Plastic sheet
  3. Which is a good conductor of electricity?
    a) Copper
    b) Rubber
    c) Plastic
    d) Wood
  4. Which of these materials is soluble in water?
    a) Sand
    b) Salt
    c) Plastic
    d) Oil
  5. Why is rubber used for covering electric wires?
    a) Elastic
    b) Conductor
    c) Insulator
    d) Transparent

3. Fill in the Blanks

  1. Materials that allow light to pass through are called __________.
  2. A material that cannot be stretched back to its original shape is __________.
  3. Copper is used in __________ because it conducts electricity.
  4. Materials that dissolve in water are called __________.
  5. Recycling materials helps to reduce __________ and pollution.

4. True/False Type

  1. Glass is opaque. (True/False)
  2. Rubber is an insulator. (True/False)
  3. Sand is soluble in water. (True/False)
  4. Hard materials can be used for furniture. (True/False)
  5. Elastic materials return to their original shape after stretching. (True/False)

5. Short Answer Questions (2–3 marks)

  1. Define elasticity.
  2. Give examples of hard and soft materials.
  3. What is the difference between a conductor and an insulator?
  4. Name two transparent materials.
  5. Why is recycling important?

6. Long Answer Questions (4–5 marks)

  1. Explain the different properties of materials with examples.
  2. How are materials classified based on transparency and elasticity?
  3. Describe the uses of materials in daily life based on their properties.
  4. Explain solubility and give examples of soluble and insoluble materials.
  5. Why should we conserve and recycle materials?

7. Higher-Order Thinking (HOT) & Application

  1. How would you choose materials to make a kite that flies easily and a kite tail that is heavy?
  2. Why is copper preferred in electric wiring over aluminum?
  3. Suggest ways to recycle plastic and glass at home.

8. Passage-Based Questions

Read the passage and answer:
Materials around us have different properties. Some allow light to pass, some conduct electricity, and some are elastic. We use them according to their properties in daily life. Recycling helps reduce waste and pollution.

  1. Give one property of materials mentioned in the passage.
  2. How are materials used according to their properties?
  3. Why is recycling important?
  4. Name one elastic material.

Answer

1. Very Short Answer

  1. Hard – Wood; Soft – Cotton
  2. Elasticity is the ability to return to original shape after stretching or compressing.
  3. Glass
  4. Copper
  5. Rubber
  6. Solubility is the ability to dissolve in a solvent.
  7. Sand
  8. Glass is used for windows and spectacles.
  9. To reduce waste and pollution.
  10. Wood

2. MCQ Answers

  1. b) Rubber
  2. c) Wood
  3. a) Copper
  4. b) Salt
  5. c) Insulator

3. Fill in the Blanks

  1. transparent
  2. inelastic
  3. electrical wires
  4. soluble
  5. waste

4. True/False

  1. False
  2. True
  3. False
  4. True
  5. True

5. Short Answer

  1. Elasticity is the ability of a material to regain its shape after stretching.
  2. Hard – Wood, Metal; Soft – Cotton, Wool
  3. Conductor – allows electricity to pass (Copper); Insulator – does not allow electricity (Rubber)
  4. Glass, Water, Plastic sheet
  5. Recycling reduces waste, saves resources, and protects the environment.

6. Long Answer

  1. Properties: hardness, softness, elasticity, transparency, conductivity, solubility – examples given in the table above.
  2. Transparent (glass, water), Translucent (wax paper), Opaque (wood); Elastic (rubber), Inelastic (plastic ruler)
  3. Hard materials – building, furniture; Soft – clothes; Conductors – copper wires; Insulators – rubber handles; Transparent – windows
  4. Soluble – sugar, salt; Insoluble – sand, chalk
  5. Conserving materials prevents waste, reduces pollution, and preserves resources for future use.

7. HOT & Application

  1. Kite – lightweight, strong paper; Tail – heavy cloth strips
  2. Copper is a better conductor and more durable than aluminum.
  3. Reuse plastic bottles, recycle glass jars, separate waste for collection.

8. Passage-Based

  1. Elasticity, conductivity, transparency
  2. Materials are chosen for specific uses based on properties
  3. Recycling reduces waste and pollution
  4. Rubber